ace_cobra

Has anyone had to shim their rear bearing spindle more than 0.145"? I am in the process of replacing my bearings and I noticed that using the set-up tool, with a 0.145" shim I have no end play at all, but the bearing spins nicely. Out of curiosity I put 2 shims on that measured 0.208" and I had a 0.055" end play. So if I am doing this right I would need a 0.155" shim to get me to a 2 thou play. I am 1000% certain the races are seated properly because I installed them, took them out to be certain nothing was caught between the race and the shoulder, then reseated them again.
Any thoughts?

'75

Its possible your big spacer has been ground down some or compressed, requiring a thicker shim.

ace_cobra

Quite possible. Its brand new, does anyone have the "proper" length so I can compare it to mine.

cagotzmann

When I did mine the big shim (from the kit) didn't match the original units.

The big shim from the kit measure @ 1.65" with the widest shim @ 0.145"

My original big shim was wider but I don't remember what the number was.





but I sanded down the shims to get .001 - .002 with the shim installed.

ace_cobra

Yeah my spacer is at 1.65" and my widest shim is 0.145. I know it is pointing towards the races not being seated but I know they are. Is it possible my housing is a tad wider? Has ANYONE else had to shim is more than 0.145"?

cagotzmann

I think the problem is the big shim is too small. This is why I used the original from the car because the other was to small.

Did you get a complete kit with shims , big shim , and bearings.

My kit came from corvette America.

As for the races being seated. it was very easy for me to see if they were seated, plus the sound change as they where inserted changed.

I used a tool suited to the job for seating bearing races.

TOM B1

Your doing it right. NEVER just install what is in the kits, measure and add or subtract was is needed. Dont worry about if anyone else had over any amount. All spindles have different specs, thats why you have shims.

ace_cobra

UPDATE*** I found the issue. Previously I measured my spacer with a ruler and it appeared to be 1.650. I measured last night with a vernier caliper and it was only 1.635. I measured the old spacer and it was 1.650. I tried setting it up with the old spacer and I had end play with 0.045". Faulty manufacturing of the spacer I guess.